Molded shoe and reinforcement therefore

ABSTRACT

A molded woman&#39;&#39;s shoe having a thick sole and a bulky high heel. To reinforce the shank and prevent breakage at its connection with the heel, a hardened steel strip is molded into the shoe. The strip extends from the upper portion of the heel, through the shank, and partly into the sole. The strip is provided with a central, longitudinal stiffening rib and a plurality of openings adjacent the periphery. When the shoe is molded, the mold material, usually polyurethane, will pass through these openings to anchor the reinforcing strip in place.

United States Patent [1 1 Eonci 1 Jan. 15, 1974 MOLDED SHOE AND REINFORCEMENT THEREFORE [76] Inventor: Fernando M. Ronci, 2 Atlantic Blvd., Providence, R].

[22] Filed: Sept. 13, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 288,644

[52] US. Cl. 36/4 [51] Int. Cl] A431) 1/10 [58] Field of Search 36/76 R, 76 C, 4, 36/] 1.5, 2.5 R

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,753,702 4/1930 Griffiths 36/4 2,403,442 7/1946 Klaus 36/76 R 2,229,387 l/194l Parker 36/4 3,475,837 11/1969 Garcia 36/76 R Primary Examiner-Patrick D. Lawson Attorney-Max Schwartz [5 7] ABSTRACT A molded womans shoe having a thick sole and a bulky high heel. To reinforce the shank and prevent breakage at its connection with the heel, a hardened steel strip is molded into the shoe. The strip extends from the upper portion of the heel, through the shank, and partly into the sole. The strip is provided with a central, longitudinal stiffening rib and a plurality of openings adjacent the periphery. When the shoe is molded, the mold material, usually polyurethane, will pass through these openings to anchor the reinforcing strip in place.

3 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures I MOLDED SHOE AND REINFORCEMENT THEREFORE Additional anchoring means can be added to the strip at its rear end and molded into the bulky heel. The most effective is a rectangular frame of steel of the same material as the strip. The frame consists of a strip of material bent to form a bottom wall, two spaced parallel side walls, and free ends at the top of the side walls bent toward each other to form the top wall. One of the bent portions is higher than the other to form a space between them. The rear end of the reinforcing strip is inserted in this space and welded in place. Adjustment of the length of the strip for different shoe sizes can be made by moving the strip into or out of the space before welding. The frame extends into the molded heel for anchorage. Other anchoring means can be attached to the back of the strip and anchored in the heel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The latest styles of Woman s shoes provide for a high bulky heel, usually molded of a plastic material. It has been recently proposed to mold the sole, shank and heel in a single integral construction ofa durable material such as polyurethane. The upper can then be added in any desired material or design. While this plastic sole and heel will outwear existing materials, a weak spot exists at the juncture of the shank and heel. Flexing of the sole during walking is transmitted through the shank. In a heavier woman, this could readilysnap the shoe at this spot. Reinforcement has been attempted by inserting a steel strip into the shank. However, it has been found that the constant flexing loosens the strip and allows it to slide lingitudinally. This greatly reduces its reinforcing value.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is designed to provide a steel reinforcing strip for a molded shoe which is firmly anchored in position against displacement. The feature of the basic design is the addition of a plurality of spaced openings adjacent theperiphery of the strip. When the strip is molded into the shoe, the mold material will pass through these openings to anchor the strip in place.

In addition to the above, various other constructions may be added to therear of the strip to extend into the bulk of the heel to further anchor the strip. For example, one of the most effective means is a strip of material the same as the main strip folded to form a rectangular frame. This frame is also provided with peripheral openings to anchor it in the heel. The top of the frame is split with one side higher than the other. The rear of the strip slides between the two top sides before welding. For different size shoes, the strip can be positioned further into or out of the frame before welding, as desired.

Instead of the frame, the strip may be provided with one or more depending portions at the rear which can extend into the heel. Or, a block of wood can be molded into the heel to be covered with a thin layer of the plastic material to cut costs. The block can be provided with a vertical slot and the strip can be provided with an integral depending portion extending into the slot or forced into the slot.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a shoe embodying my present invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section thereof;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the reinforcing strip;

FIG. 4 is a section taken on line 4-4 on FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of another form of reinforcement adjusted for the shortest shoe;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, adjused for the longest shoe;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the reinforcing assembly shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevation showing a method of holding the parts in the shoe mold;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged section taken on line 9-9 on FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the holding member;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing another form of reinforcement;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the anchoring attachment shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing still another form of reinforcement;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the reinforcement shown in FIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing a further form of reinforcing strip.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive, illustrate the minimum construction for the present invention. The reinforced molded shoe 10 comprises a sole portion 11, shank 12, and heel 13, all integrally molded of polyurethane, or other suitable material. The outer surface may be ornamental as illustrated and a suitable upper may be pro. vided of any desired material or color.

The weak spot is at 14, the connection between the shank l2 and the heel 13. Reinforcement is provided by a hardened steel strip 15, see FIG. 3. The strip 15 is comparatively thin and is provided with a central longitudinal rib 16 to provide stiffness. A plurality of spaced openings 17 extend around the strip 15 adjacent the periphery.

The strip 15 is molded into the shoe 10 as shown in FIG. 2. The forward end 18 is horizontal and extends into the sole portion 11 for a short distance. The strip 15 then bends at an upward angle through the shank l2 and into the upper portion of the heel 13. If necessary, the rear end 19 can also be bent horizontally to extend into the heel material. During the molding operation, the mold material will flow through the openings 17 and anchor the strip 15 in the position shown in FIG. 2. The strip will resist any longitudinal movement when the shoe is flexed in walking.

To further anchor the strip in place, the adjustable construction shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 may be used. In this form, the strip 20 is shaped similar to the strip 15 but is provided with only a single anchoring opening 21 at its forward end. Three stiffening ribs 22 extend longitudinally, the central rib 23 extending all the way to the rear end and the other two ribs being shorter.

The auxiliary anchoring means comprises a strip of the same reinforcing steel of the same width as the strip 20, but bent into a generally rectangular frame, FIGS. 5 and 6. This frame comprises a bottom 24, integral sides 25, and a split top. The split top is formed by bending the upper end of the right side 25 inwardly at 26 at a slight upward angle, and by bending the left side 25 toward and over the portion 26, at 27. The portion 27 extends over the portion 26 in spaced relation. The portion 26 si provided with a central longitudinal rib 28, and the bottom and sides are perforated at 29 for anchoring in the heel.

This form permits adjustment for the length of the shoe. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the strip is slipped into the space between the portions 26 and 27 with the strip pushed completely in almost to the wall at the rear. Before molding, the strip can be spot welded into position. Now, for a longer shoe, the strip may be pulled out as shown in FIG. 6. This allows for about a half inch adjustment in the overall length of the reinforcement. Note that the central rib 23 will nest and slide in the rib 28, see FIG. 9.

One of the problems involved in the manufacture of this shoe is the suspension of the reinforcing strip and assembly in the mold. The reinforcement illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 can readily be handled in the mold by the means shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. A finger engagable tab 30 narrows down to a right angled bend 31 to a narrow horizontal portion 32. The portion 32 is slipped into the rib 23 and under the portion 27 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The tab 30 is provided with an opening 33 for suspending in the mold. The tab can also be used to lift the finished shoe from the mold. Later, the tab 30 is twisted until it snaps at the narrow portion 31 and is removed, the residual opening being covered by the shoe lining.

FIGS. 11 to 15 show various other means of supplying the desired anchoring of the strip. In FIGS. 11 and 12 the device is similar to the form shown in FIG. 5 but without the adjustment. The metal is bent into the frame 34 which is perforated. It has the bottom 35, sides 36 and portions 37 bent in toward each other at the top of the sides 36. The frame is welded to a strip 38 and molded into the shoe 39.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate another form. A block of wood 40 is molded into the heel 41 considerably reducing the cost of the plastic needed for the heel. The block is provided with a central vertical slot 42. The reinforcing strip 43 is provided at its rear end with an integral depending strip 44 which can be driven into the slot 42 to anchor the strip in the block 40. In the form shown in FIG. 15, the construction is the same as in FIG. 13 with the addition of further anchoring means. The heel 45 is provided with the wood block 46 having the slot 47. The strip 48 is provided with the downwardly extending portion 49 extending into the slot 47. In addition, an inverted U-shaped member 50 with perforated arms is welded to the strip to provide three downwardly extending portions instead of one. The portion 50 may surround the block 46 or may also be driven into slots.

I have thus provided a novel molded shoe construction having a reinforcement for the shank portion which is firmly anchored against loosening due to the flexing of the shoe in walking. The device is comparatively inexpensive to manufacture and insert in the shoe. Other advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. A reinforced molded plastic shoe comprising an integrally molded sole, shank and heel, said heel being comparatively large and bulky, means for reinforcing said shank against breakage from said heel, and means for anchoring said shank reinforcement in said shoe against movement caused by flexing of the shoe in walking, said reinforcing and anchoring means being adjustable for the length of the shoe.

2. A reinforced shoe as in claim 1,wherein said reinforcing means comprises a strip of hardened steel embedded in said shank, said strip extending into the upper portion of said heel and into a portion of said sole.

3. A reinforced shoe as in claim 2, wherein said anchoring means comprises a generally rectangular frame of steel strip material having a plurality of perforations therethrough, said reinforcing strip being attached to the top of said frame adjacent the rear thereof, said frame being embedded in said heel, said frame having a split top portion, one side of said split top portion being higher than the other to form a slot therebetween, the rear end of said strip being slidable in said slot to adjust the position of said strip for the length of the shoe. 

1. A reinforced molded plastic shoe comprising an integrally molded sole, shank and heel, said heel being comparatively large and bulky, means for reinforcing said shank against breakage from said heel, and means for anchoring said shank reinforcement in said shoe against movement caused by flexing of the shoe in walking, said reinforcing and anchoring means being adjustable for the length of the shoe.
 2. A reinforced shoe as in claim 1,wherein said reinforcing means comprises a strip of hardened steel embedded in said shank, said strip extending into the upper portion of said heel and into a portion of said sole.
 3. A reinforced shoe as in claim 2, wherein said anchoring means comprises a generally rectangular frame of steel strip material having a plurality of perforations therethrough, said reinforcing strip being attached to the top of said frame adjacent the rear thereof, said frame being embedded in said heel, said frame having a split top portion, one side of said split top portion being higher than the other to form a slot therebetween, the rear end of said strip being slidable in said slot to adjust the position of said strip for the length of the shoe. 